🌤 Weather at Umbagog Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11–63 °F | 48–77 °F | 23–68 °F | -1 to 29 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Errol Airport, 8 mi away, elevation 1,240 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Great North Woods Basecamp — Where Loons, Moose, and Eagles Rule
Umbagog Lake State Park sits on the wild shore of Umbagog Lake in Errol, New Hampshire — deep in the Great North Woods, adjacent to the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge. This is one of the most wildlife-rich lake environments in all of New England: moose, bald eagles, loons, river otters, and osprey are not occasional visitors but resident residents, and the chances of seeing large wildlife here are among the best in the northeastern United States.
The park offers an unusual split personality: a developed base campground with electric hookups, hot showers, and a camp store — and over 30 primitive wilderness campsites and remote cabins scattered around the lake’s shoreline, accessible only by boat. For paddlers, it’s one of the finest wilderness camping experiences available in New England. For families, the base camp provides comfortable access to one of the wildest lakes in the region.
Things to Do
Paddling & Boating
Umbagog Lake is a premier paddling destination in New Hampshire. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals, and staff can arrange boat transportation to remote campsites (for a fee). The lake’s size and wind exposure require paddling experience — check weather conditions before heading out. The connected Magalloway and Androscoggin rivers offer additional paddling routes through the wildlife refuge.
Fishing
The lake is a coldwater fishery known for landlocked salmon, lake trout, and brook trout. A concrete boat launch provides easy access. A New Hampshire fishing license is required; some areas near the Maine border may also require a Maine license.
Wildlife Watching
The combination of the lake and the adjacent National Wildlife Refuge creates exceptional viewing opportunities. Moose are commonly seen along shorelines at dawn and dusk. Bald eagles and ospreys nest in the area. Common loons breed on the lake — some remote campsites are seasonally closed (until late July) to protect nesting loons.
Camping
Umbagog offers two distinct camping experiences:
| Type | Sites | Access | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Campground | ~30 | Drive-in | Electric/water hookups, hot showers, camp store, beach, dump station |
| Remote/Wilderness sites | 30+ | Boat-in only | Fire pit, picnic table, pit toilet; carry-in/carry-out; NO water/electric |
| Remote Cabins | Several | Boat-in only | Basic shelter; reservable; remote wilderness setting |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ Best paddling; moose sightings; loon watching; fishing; warm water | Black flies June; book remote sites early; some sites closed for loons |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Brilliant foliage on water; moose rut; fewer insects; cool paddling | Park closes mid-October; cold nights; shorter days |
| Spring (May–Jun) | High water; bird migration; eagles/osprey nesting; solitude | Black flies intense; cold water; limited facilities early |
Visitor Tips
- Moose Alley: The stretch of Route 3 north of Pittsburg toward the Canadian border is famous as “Moose Alley” — one of the best moose-viewing drives in New England. Dawn and dusk are prime times. Drive slowly and watch the road shoulders.
- Wind awareness: Umbagog Lake can develop dangerous wind and waves quickly. Check weather conditions before paddling to remote sites. Hug the shoreline rather than crossing open water in anything smaller than a large canoe.
- Firewood rules: You cannot bring your own firewood — it must be purchased on-site to prevent invasive insect spread.
- Cell service: Cell coverage is very limited throughout the Errol/Umbagog area. Plan communications accordingly, especially for remote camping trips.
- Two-state lake: Umbagog Lake straddles the New Hampshire–Maine border. Fishing regulations may differ between the two states — carry both licenses if fishing near the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nearby Attractions
Lake Umbagog NWR — surrounding — has 27,603 acres of protected wilderness. Errol — nearby — is a tiny crossroads. Thirteen Mile Woods — NH’s premier moose-viewing drive along the Androscoggin River. Dixville Notch — 15 miles west. Rangeley, Maine — 30 miles east — has lakes and outdoor recreation.
Can you rent boats at Umbagog Lake State Park?
Yes — the park offers canoe and kayak rentals at the base camp area. Staff can also arrange boat transportation to remote wilderness campsites for a fee. A concrete boat launch is available for visitors bringing their own watercraft.
What wildlife can you see at Umbagog Lake?
Umbagog Lake is one of the most wildlife-rich lake environments in New England. Common sightings include moose (especially at dawn and dusk along shorelines), nesting bald eagles and ospreys, Common Loons, river otters, beavers, and diverse waterfowl. The adjacent Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge adds additional habitat, making this one of the best wildlife-watching destinations in the northeastern United States.
Last updated: April 2026
More parks nearby: Mollidgewock State Park is a short drive away, while Androscoggin Wayside Park lies a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Umbagog Lake State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Base Camp: 27 sites with 30-50 amp electric & water hookups, RVs up to 40 ft ($45-$60/night); Remote: 33-35 primitive boat/canoe/kayak-access-only sites scattered around Umbagog Lake ($40/night), each with fireplace, picnic table, and a pit toilet only - no water, no hookups, no trash pickup (carry-in/carry-out). |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 2 cabins at Base Camp; 4 remote cabins at Ellis Camps (Ellis Cabin sleeps up to 6 at $80/night base rate; Ben's, Jenny's, and Honeymoon Cabins each sleep up to 4 at $65/night base rate) with solar lighting, gas stove, and fire pit - no running water/plumbing and no linens; extra guests $10/adult, $5/child per night; reservable Monday-Thursday or Friday-Sunday blocks only. |
| Pets | Leashed pets permitted at Base Camp sites but not in any cabin; pets prohibited in the beach day-use area and at designated remote sites within the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge. |
| Reservations | Book via ReserveAmerica or call the park office at 603-482-7795; up to 11 months in advance; $7 non-refundable online reservation fee; cancellation: 10+ days before arrival = full refund minus transaction fee, 4-9 days = full refund minus reservation fee plus one night's cost, 0-3 days = no refund; remote-site campers should contact the park at least 2 weeks ahead to arrange canoe/kayak rental or transportation. |
| Special sites | Canoe/kayak rentals and transportation to remote sites available; boat launch and fuel sales on-site; all outside firewood is prohibited - must be purchased at the park store; dump station for registered campers only; drone takeoff/landing prohibited within park boundaries. |
| Season notes | Base Camp open May 15 - October 18; remote sites open May 22 - October 11; park typically unstaffed in the off-season. |
Camping questions about Umbagog Lake State Park
Can you camp at Umbagog Lake State Park?
Base Camp: 27 sites with 30-50 amp electric & water hookups, RVs up to 40 ft ($45-$60/night); Remote: 33-35 primitive boat/canoe/kayak-access-only sites scattered around Umbagog Lake ($40/night), each with fireplace, picnic table, and a pit toilet only - no water, no hookups, no trash pickup (carry-in/carry-out).
How do you reserve a campsite at Umbagog Lake State Park?
Book via ReserveAmerica or call the park office at 603-482-7795; up to 11 months in advance; $7 non-refundable online reservation fee; cancellation: 10+ days before arrival = full refund minus transaction fee, 4-9 days = full refund minus reservation fee plus one night's cost, 0-3 days = no refund; remote-site campers should contact the park at least 2 weeks ahead to arrange canoe/kayak rental or transportation.
Are there cabins at Umbagog Lake State Park?
2 cabins at Base Camp; 4 remote cabins at Ellis Camps (Ellis Cabin sleeps up to 6 at $80/night base rate; Ben's, Jenny's, and Honeymoon Cabins each sleep up to 4 at $65/night base rate) with solar lighting, gas stove, and fire pit - no running water/plumbing and no linens; extra guests $10/adult, $5/child per night; reservable Monday-Thursday or Friday-Sunday blocks only.
Are pets allowed at the Umbagog Lake State Park campground?
Leashed pets permitted at Base Camp sites but not in any cabin; pets prohibited in the beach day-use area and at designated remote sites within the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge.
Source: nhstateparks.org (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Umbagog Lake State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Many NH state parks allow pets year-round, but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Standard or retractable leash not greater than 6 feet required; animals may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited at beaches and designated swim areas seasonally from May 1 through September 30.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted at 13 campgrounds (including Bear Brook, Coleman, Greenfield, Lake Francis, Milan, Mollidgewock, Moose Brook, Pawtuckaway, Pillsbury, Sunapee and Umbagog); cabin/yurt rules vary by park — check before booking.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Monadnock, North Hampton State Beach, Odiorne Point and most of Rhododendron State Park prohibit pets year-round; Crawford Notch, Franconia Notch and Mount Washington allow pets only on hiking trails and designated dog-walk areas.
Are dogs allowed at Umbagog Lake State Park?
Many NH state parks allow pets year-round, but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via nhstateparks.org. More: New Hampshire state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Umbagog Lake State Park
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